Road Safety Week is 16–22 November 2025 and Somerset schools are encouraged to take part in the national campaign led by Brake, focusing this year on the theme “Safe Vehicles Save Lives”. With over 1,700 road deaths and 30,000 serious injuries annually in the UK, the initiative calls for collective action to make roads safer for all.
School Pick-Up Times
Data from the THINK! campaign highlights that child pedestrian casualties double between the ages of 9 and 11, with incidents most likely to occur during drop-off and pick-up times. Schools are urged to review their site-specific risk assessments, particularly around vehicle movements and pedestrian access during these busy periods.
Parking Guidance: Keep Zig-Zags Clear
Parking near school entrances remains a persistent challenge. The Highway Code and Police UK guidance stress that yellow zig-zag lines must be kept clear to maintain visibility and safe crossing conditions for children. Parking on or opposite these markings, even briefly, can obstruct views and increase the risk of accidents.
Schools are encouraged to remind parents and carers:
- Do not park on zig-zag lines or opposite them.
- Avoid blocking driveways or junctions.
- Allow extra time and consider parking further away to reduce congestion.
Bowlish Infants School has recently placed no parking signs outside their school on the A371 and Office Manager Misha Hunt stated ”The parking signs have made an enormous positive impact on parents and visitors parking outside school on the zigzags. An unexpected added bonus to the signs is the interest that the children have shown in their purpose and now they ‘tell off’ the parents if they see any approaching the zig zags. The passing traffic also seems to slow down when they are approaching the signs, which are reflective, heavy duty and waterproof”.
Photo with PCSO Mrs Manley
PCSO Support and Community Engagement
Local Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) play a vital role in supporting school road safety. Schools are advised to liaise with their local PCSOs to:
- Monitor traffic and parking behaviour.
- Support educational sessions on road safety.
- Assist with enforcement where necessary.
Get Involved
Schools can register for Road Safety Week and access free action packs via Brake’s website. Activities may include assemblies, poster campaigns, walk-to-school initiatives, and vehicle safety checks.
